How to Survive at the Academy
chapter-211

“Restrain yourself, Ms. Yenika” (2)

The following morning, the sounds of Yenika’s cabin, where she resides, were buzzing with the quarrels she had with the spirits.

“Get up from your sleep and come out properly dressed as we have to go to the royal quarters where Princess Phoenia is staying.”

I was the one who said it, but I never expected her to take so much time dressing up.

For me, my usual attire just involves throwing over a brick-red robe over my shirt. But still, it is quite a premium item and I don’t ever feel out of place anywhere because of it.

For Yenika, a commoner, it seems like a burden to dress up for meetin the royalty as if she has to match their style. Since morning, she’s been quarreling with the mirror about it.

I told her it is not a big deal, but it didn’t seem to mean much to her.

Sitting near the fire and absentmindedly whittling an arrow, I could hear the spirits debating with Yenika who was inside the cabin, discussing which color skirt would suit her better or which hairpin to choose.

I decided not to nag her because I didn’t want to put pressure on her, so I waited as long as I could.

After another 15 minutes or so, Yenika finally emerged, wearing a bluish skirt unlike her usual attire and an apricot-colored blouse. Her trademark, a shawl embroidered with cosmos patterns, draped her slender shoulders.

Her impressively plaited hair, adorned with hollyhock hairpins, didn’t go unnoticed. She didn’t need a maid’s help as she had skillfully gathered her hair into a half-up, half-down hairstyle, and even the braids by her face were neatly done.

Indeed, her dexterity was not to be underestimated, nor was her attire.

“Hey, how is it, Ed?! Inspect me!”

“… Inspect?”

“This outfit should be good enough for the royal residences, right?! I mean, I won’t be turned away at the door will I?! Is this too formal?! Maybe I should take off the hair accessories, right?!”

It doesn’t really matter, just wear anything and go.

I knew that was the wrong answer.

“As weird as it sounds to call it an inspection… well, anyway, it suits you. You look like a lady of nobility, Yenika.”

“A lady of nobility!”

Struck by the significance of that phrase, Yenika suddenly swallowed her pride and quickly folded her arms in front of her and lowered her voice tone.

“I seeee. Right. If I’m going to a place like the royal quarters, I can’t be loud and boisterous, can I…”

“Yenika… Being so obviously and unnaturally demure is the problem.. There’s no need to worry about the voice.”

“No, I’ll talk in a cool and downtoned voice.”

Something seemed off and different about Yenika than usual.

“Should I leave my staff behind?!”

Considering how quickly her tone rose after just two sentences, it was a futile thought…

*The royal quarters are situated far from the busy student dormitories and faculty buildings, almost as if they’re in another world, on the western coastal cliffs of Acken. It’s a place shrouded in mystery, with very few people allowed access.

You can catch a glimpse of the corner of the royal residences from the edge of the magical goods district in the dormitories, but that’s all the regular students normally see of it.

Sometimes, students running around the island for exercise or wandering around accidentally approach the royal residences, but are then prevented from going any further. Thanks to that, the royal residences have become shrouded in rumors.

As for me, I’ve visited the royal lodge quite a few times as Princess Phoenia has invited me for personal matters.

However, the prospect of visiting the legendary royal quarters seemed to be a nerve-wracking event for Yenika as we walked down the trail leading to the lodge, and she was quite flustered.

“It’s like… committing a huge act of defiance, going to a place I’m usually not allowed in.”

She walks the path hesitantly, and her nervousness is quite apparent.

It would actually be fun just to let her be, but I don’t have a hobby of kicking people when they’re down.

Since I can’t think of a way to lighten the mood… I use this time to bring up some matters I had resolved to discuss the day before.

“Yenika. There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. The reason why I’m attending this school.”

As we walk along the path, I speak as if it’s not important, even though it actually is a very, very important subject. If I made a big deal out of it, Yenika would listen more devoutly, which is something I don’t want to encourage.

I don’t want to weigh the conversation down with grave significance, so my plan is to subtly bring it up on the way to the royal quarters.

“Just throwing it out there like it’s not a big deal….”

“If we stay quiet, we’ll all die.”

“…”

“…”

… In truth, it was a futile effort.

No matter how much I try to avoid burdening her, this isn’t something that can be taken lightly.

Moreover, it’s not a situation where you can talk about psychological burdens and consideration.

Day by day life flows like water, but even so, I’m aware that only calamity awaits us at the end.

Sometimes, sitting peacefully by the campfire in the serene northern forest, I almost forget.

But I mustn’t forget. It’s imperative to recognize that a future where we all perish is looming ever closer.

I remember the shape of the dragon that roared and covered the sky.

Especially since Yenika is the girl who helped transport the fangs of Bellbrook out of Acken Island. She fought with the apostle of Telos and had to lay down with lost sight for days as a consequence.

Therefore… discussing the reasons for that day’s scuffle, it wasn’t difficult to convince Yenika.

The tranquil path leading to the royal quarters.

The conversation between Yenika and me, despite the seemingly tranquil trail, was quite deadly.

Talking about death and the future… you can’t really make it seem light-hearted.

It’s an unavoidable situation.

*

“I’ve been waiting for you. But, is there anything bothering you?”

Guard Captain Claire was waiting at the entrance of the royal residences.

The royal quarters where people of the royal family stay are not as huge as Ophelius Hall. Ophelius Hall is a public residence used by dozens of dignitaries, whereas the royal quarters are built for just one person’s use.

Even a dignitary of high status can only be granted a single room in Ophelius Hall.

Even Saint Clarice was only given one room, although it was the best one available for her dwelling.

It was clear how special the treatment was that Princess Phoenia, who lived in a newly built splendid building, received.

“Oh, no…”

Claire looked bewildered as he gazed at Yenika, whose face retained the look of a whimpering child.

“We just had a depressing conversation on the way here. It’s nothing.”

I stopped Claire from further queries and asked him to guide us. Claire nodded and led us to the Princess’s room.

The royal quarters, with a central courtyard, consist of two buildings; the left building for the servants and the right one for Princess Phoenia.

We passed through the splendid and solid marble edifice by the cliff. Assuming we would proceed to the reception room I had been to before, Claire, however, led us past that door, up the stairs, and to a large wooden door.

This was Princess Phoenia’s personal room, whose entrance was both luxurious and solid.

In [ Sylvania’s Failed Swordsman ], this is a location you can visit several times by agreeing to fulfill Princess Phoenia’s requests – noted as individual events.

It’s a secretive spot tucked away in a corner of Acken Island with complicated entry conditions.

“But… Ed may be involved in a lot, but why would they call me?”

Yenika asked Claire before meeting Princess Phoenia.

“Well… you’ll find out when you go inside.”

As he says this, Claire opens the door and Princess Phoenia’s room comes into full view, with the mistress of the room standing on the terrace.

She looked different from when she attended classes in the faculty building.

Inside the faculty building, she lives without special treatment as per Sylvania’s philosophy… But outside the faculty building, she receives the treatment of a noble Princess.

The radiant and spacious room held Princess Phoenia quietly sitting in the middle of it… Noticing our faces, she subtly greeted us.

“Welcome, Ed. And Yenika.”

Princess Phoenia was sitting at a large wooden table spread out on the terrace, soaking up the sun and reading a book.

As soon as our eyes met, she closed them for a moment, opened them again, and spoke.

“Please sit down. I have something to share with you. You both might be interested as well.”

“…”

“It’s time we seriously discuss the royal power struggle.”

*

“If Sister Sella comes to power, the Rothtaylor family won’t survive. If lucky, you may fade to a border noble, or worse, be branded criminals and exterminated.”

With her elegant platinum hair spilled over her shoulders and dressed in a comfortable lace gown, Princess Phoenia spoke nonchalantly.

“I’ve finished my dealings with Student Council President Tanya. I’ve decided to support the Rothtaylor family.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I’ve known Tanya for quite some time, even before she became president. She stayed at the royal quarters and is absolutely different from Crebin Rothtaylor.”

As the servants brought in tea, Yenika hastily stood to awkwardly accept it but I gestured for her to sit; it’s more comfortable for others when you stay still.

Unaccustomed to such treatment, Yenika turned fitfully, but I gently pushed down on her shoulders to calm her.

“And you, Ed Rothtaylor as well.”

“…”

“I won’t deny there’s political intent. Nonetheless, the Rothtaylor family has formed a strong influence within the royal court for so long that I cannot ignore their remnants… Plus, the image of power still lingers.”

Princess Phoenia wasn’t purely naive.

She wouldn’t make a national decision just because she couldn’t stand injustice.

“While the name Rothtaylor still exists, absorbing that remainder allows us to assimilate the officials with internal knowledge. So I… for political reasons, support the Rothtaylor family.”

Princess Phoenia made her stance clear.

It was typical of her to state her position explicitly without any hint of faltering.

“But apart from that, I understand that you, the Rothtaylor siblings… are not mad like Crebin. That is one of the biggest benefits I have gained from coming to Sylvania. If you take control of the family, I assume things will be much different from Crebin’s reign.”

However, the most distinctive aspect of Princess Phoenia was that she did not act solely based on these calculations.

There’s a reason she’s known as the “Princess of Compassion.”

“Political gains can be obtained through deep contemplation over paperwork at a desk, but judging people is hard without looking directly into their eyes with my two eyes. So if you want to ‘obtain’ people, you have to get out there and work for it.”

This was the major distinction between Princess Sella, Princess Persica, and Princess Phoenia.

Princess Sella saw class and authority.

Princess Persica saw abilities and practicalities.

Princess Phoenia… saw people.

Now Princess Phoenia brought forth the words she yearned to say after calling us here.

“Please defeat Zix Elfellan at the Crestol Festival Tournament.”

Princess Phoenia put down her teacup and calmly spoke.

The name of the person that popped up was an unexpected one.

“Senior Dex? I heard that we would be facing each other. I’ve met him a few times.”

“The Elfellan house, from which Dex comes, is a family that deeply believes in and follows Sister Sella. Even if Sella didn’t seek their loyalty, they were a force that would’ve sided with her.”

Although Dex doesn’t seem to have that much affection for the Elfellan family, it’s where he was fed and nurtured, so he shows them the minimum respect due.

The “King of Power,” Zix Elfellan, can’t completely free himself from the wishes of his house. He doesn’t forget what he has received.

“Winning the festival tournament and attributing that glory to Sister Sella would solidify that relationship.

Certainly, it’s festival time and Father will also come to Acken Island, and I’m not sure about Persica unnie… but Sella unnie never misses such gatherings.”

“I never thought the occasion was that important.”

“It’s a national event occurring only once every four years. Though he travels through various territories, he can’t just skip Sylvania, where the future talents of the Empire are gathered.”

Princess Pheonia ran her hand through her platinum blonde hair. The fingers that slipped through her neatly falling tresses were so pale, they were almost translucent.

“I won’t ask you to praise me for winning the duel. Just make sure the Sella unnie and the Elphellan family don’t become even more established.”

“Is that such a significant factor in imperial power struggles?”

“There’s a plan in place. The Elphellan family… will be the cornerstone to bring down Sella unnie.”

Princess Pheonia wore a look that was not confident.

All the sly tricks and backroom dealings that plagued her since childhood.

She knew now that she had no choice but to dive into that world herself.

“We need to tear apart the bond between the Elphellan family and Sella unnie. That begins with this duel.”

Yet, she didn’t force the justification. She accepted the fact that if there was no escape, she would have to dip her toes into it.

Regardless of her preparations to strike Sella, she also had her own plans to seize the princess.

“You seem to know something.”

“Please help me. Sella unnie’s ascension to power would not benefit the Rosthailer family in any way.”

“If Diak elder is involved… he’s the top combat department senior, right?”

Yenika spoke with a hint of worry.

Whether burdened by expectation, the girl who hadn’t touched any of the sweets brought in by the servants raised her voice with a hint of unease.

“I’ve heard the rumors. All the fourth-year seniors respect and honor Diak senior.”

“Right, Yenika Faelover. During your prime as the top student, you received widespread admiration from the third-years, but Diak Elphellan emanates a completely different aura. He’s like… the spiritual pillar.”

The rumors were already rampant.

Among geniuses, Diak Elphellan was an oddity who prospered alone.

Once a bottom-tier student in the combat department with no special talents, he climbed to the top through sheer perseverance and hard work.

The reason the talentless hold him in high esteem is plain. For all who have ever hit the wall and been left behind, he is a savior. His presence offers solace and mental support against despair.

Some argue that reaching the top rank itself symbolizes innate talent.

But those who say such have never seen Diak Elphellan train.

“One thing I can assure you of is…”

Despite that, I have said what had to be said.

“… I will win.”

It was an assertion of inevitability, not just confidence.

Pheonia’s eyes widened temporarily at my audacious claim before she regained her composure.

“If you wish, I can win with an overwhelming difference.”

He’s the top of his class after all, and that’s the highest grade.

Could it really be asserted so confidently?

As she gazed at me with deep thought, I casually suggested sharing her plans.

“What secret plans are you concocting? Please, do enlighten me.”

Amidst the hubbub of the imperial succession talks and Sella’s influence, Yenika, who was sitting beside, interjected.

She was not accustomed to such atmosphere and had remained silent for a good while.

“Why did you call me? In the end, what am I here for?”

It’s a struggle to just sit and listen. Yenika couldn’t hold back her curiosity any longer and took the initiative to ask.

Indeed, this upcoming duel had nothing to do with Yenika.

Yet Princess Pheonia had personally summoned Yenika to the royal quarters as well.

This was to discuss something different or perhaps not entirely unrelated.

“Sella unnie values noble blood, dignity, authority, and elegance above everything. We often have differing opinions.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course, being intimately connected with nobility means having many prominent figures ready to become the face of her faction. Names so grand they make your jaw drop, supporting Sella unnie.”

That was how active Princess Sella was on that front.

“But… standing in opposition, I too need someone who can be the face of my faction.”

“Are you talking about Ed…?”

“Ed Rosthailer is exceptional, but as I’ve said, his high nobility origin is clear. That’s unavoidable. It’s his background, after all.”

Princess Pheonia spoke while looking down at her teacup.

“What I need is someone from a common background, who has risen from the bottom, and has reached the pinnacle on sheer merit. When I say I want ‘capable people’ for my faction, I mean… those are the kind of people.”

Yenika looked blankly at Princess Pheonia, merely nodding.

… Does she not realize the conversation was about her?

“Yenika Faelover.”

Perhaps thinking the same, Princess Pheonia was more direct this time.

“… You need to rise higher.”

It took a moment for Yenika’s reply to return.

“… Pardon?”

Hardly an actual response.